Favor boxes are great for many different occasions. They are perfect for birthday party favors, gifts for bridesmaids, a small thank-you gift or for any type of gift that needs a small box. Use favor boxes for candy, nuts, jewelry, ornaments or any other items that fit inside. A do-it-yourself favor box is part of the gift as well.
Origami
Origami is a paper-folding technique. You can make paper boxes by folding paper. Buy some pretty card stock and find free patterns and instructions online. Collect and save different patterns for different size boxes. This technique takes some practice, but it is well worth the effort.
Printable Patterns
Some software programs have patterns for folding paper into boxes, such as Microsoft Home Publishing. Many times these types of programs are on your computer at the time of purchase. Check your computer to see if you already have any of these patterns. Print these patterns on the back of your chosen paper. Fold as instructed.
Use scrapbooking paper to make your boxes even more attractive. A lot of scrapbooking paper won't fit into some printers, so print your box pattern onto card stock. Glue the scrapbooking paper onto the front of the card stock. Trim the scrapbooking paper, since it is probably bigger than the card stock. This also makes your favor box more sturdy and durable. Follow the guidelines for folding.
Hat Boxes
Hat boxes come in all sizes, from the smallest boxes for the tiniest gifts to very large boxes for big gifts. Find these plain hat boxes at craft stores and paint them. Add flowers and ribbon to the top for an elegant gift package. These also are great for place settings. Add a tag with the person's name on it, and allow each guest to take hers home after the party.
Fabric Covered Boxes
Get some corrugated cardboard and cut rectangles for the top and bottom of the box, and cut one long piece for the sides. Cover the cardboard with the fabric, and glue in place using a hot glue gun. Make these boxes any size you want, depending on what you are planning to put in them.
Shoe Boxes
Find some baby shoe boxes. Gather some scraps of fabric. Cut the fabric into small pieces of various shapes and sizes. Glue the scraps of fabric to the box. This style of box is great for the kids to help make.
